Party hosts could be serving lawsuits

December 19, 2012

As millions of Americans host and attend holiday Christmas parties across the street or across the country, many may be unaware of the risks they may be taking.

According to Trusted Choice and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America of Alexandria, Va., party hosts need to understand their responsibilities when inviting people into their homes and serving food and drinks.

Before hosting a party this holiday season, homeowners may want to consult with their insurance agent and ask questions, Trusted Choice experts advise.

Hosts should be aware that if someone drives drunk or becomes sick after consuming food at a holiday party, the host could actually be liable.

In fact, a casserole could bring just as many risks as a cocktail.

A recent survey found that almost three-fourths of homeowners had served food in their home that was prepared by someone other than themselves. That means more than 111 million homeowners in the United States have put themselves at risk for a lawsuit by just feeding their guests.

Whether the food served came from your kitchen, a pizza delivery truck or a five-star caterer, if you serve it, you could be liable if anyone gets sick. Even a simple neighborhood holiday potluck could have disastrous results for the host if someone is stricken with food-poisoning.

Insurance experts the following tips for holiday hosts and guests.

- Do Your Homework: When hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to protect them if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank or got sick after consuming food at their home. Consumers should regularly review their liability coverage limits to ensure they are adequately covered should an accident or illness occur.

- Watch What You Eat and Feed Others: Even if food was prepared outside your home by a caterer, another guest, a local deli or the neighborhood pizza joint, you could be held liable if someone becomes ill from consuming it on your property. Make sure that you check food and don't put anything out that you suspect may be undercooked, spoiled or contaminated. Use only reputable food purveyors. Follow proper food-handling, heating/cooling and storage recommendations. When in doubt, throw it out.

- Know Your State Laws and Statutes: In many states, party hosts can be held liable if a guest is involved in an alcohol-related accident. Many courts have found hosts liable for damages their party guests cause as a result of consuming alcohol and then driving motor vehicles. Many states have also enacted statutes that can be interpreted as mandating non-commercial social host liability. So, if a guest or third party is injured in an accident that is related to alcohol consumption and the drinking can be linked to you, you could be held responsible for the payment of medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost time from work and - in the worst case - claims for wrongful death resulting in huge monetary settlements.

- Mix up the Activities, not just the Cocktails: If the party centers around drinking, guests will likely drink more. Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. Provide safe filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.

- Party Elsewhere: Host your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather in a home or office to decrease your liability.

- Call a Cab, Get a Room or Have a Slumber Party: Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.

- Just Say No: Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end. Stay alert and always remember your responsibilities as a host. You might also consider hiring an off-duty police officer or professional bouncer to discreetly monitor guests' sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.

- Consider an Umbrella Policy: While holiday partygoers and hosts alike should act responsibly and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be entirely eliminated. But planning ahead and learning about what's involved in hosting a reception is the best defense. Purchasing a personal "umbrella" liability policy - providing $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit of a standard homeowners or renters policy - may be a prudent move for the frequent party host.